The village of Smiga has joined the UEFA PLAYMAKERS project. The project is based at the local FC "Euroshpon-Smiga". Coaches Svyatoslav Levkov and Olena Vasylicheko are involved in the project.

"We successfully completed a cycle of sessions for the UEFA PLAYMAKERS project, which aimed to introduce girls to the basics of football through engaging story-based activities," said Svyatoslav Levkov.

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During the training, participants not only mastered basic movements and techniques but also learned about team interaction and how important it is to support each other on the field. The training included:

- basics of technique: ball control, passing, receiving;

- various exercises for physical preparation and coordination development;

- role of the team and interaction among participants.

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"This project helped girls not only fall in love with football but also showed them that sports are not just about winning, but also about development, friendship and team spirit. We are proud to have conveyed these values to children and given them confidence in their abilities," said Svyatoslav Levkov.

Parents also noted significant progress in their children. Here's what they say: "My daughter has changed a lot after these sessions. She became more confident, showing a desire to continue training. This was a real opportunity for her!" said the mother of one of the participants.

The girls themselves shared their impressions: "I really enjoyed learning new movements! It was fun playing with other girls and making our team strong," says one participant.

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Svyatoslav Levkov: "This project has been a significant step in the development of women's football in Rivne Oblast and Ukraine as a whole, providing girls with an opportunity to showcase their talents on the football field. We are grateful to the Ukrainian Football Association and UEFA for supporting this project!"

Photo ROAF

Goals of the UEFA PLAYMAKERS program, which is implemented by the Ukrainian Football Association:

• to introduce girls to football by creating an environment focused on fun, friends and football;
• to implement a new individual coaching approach that uses imagination (inspired by Disney stories) as a tool for training and acquiring football skills;
• to refine life skills, basic movement skills, and teach the basics of football to foster lifelong interest in football.